THE DRIVER Semina De Laurentis is the artistic director of Seven Angels Theatre. She has led the arts organization for the past 23 years. Born and raised in Waterbury, she returned to her hometown to help found Seven Angels, which has gone on to receive numerous awards and recognition throughout the state. Prior to her return, she was a professional entertainer and actress in theater and TV, and played Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense on Broadway.

HER RIDE A 2010 RAV 4 with 106,000 miles.

Tell me about your first vehicle?

It was an old Buick Rambler my parents let my sister and I drive. It had a front passenger seat that would fall straight back if you hit a bump. I loved surprising my friends.

What's the most meaningful conversation you have had inside your vehicle?

With my Dad. We had many. We would discuss (argue) politics and he would always give me sage pieces of advice to live by, like "Know what you know, but more important, know what you don't know," "Your vote counts, so take it seriously," and "Always stand up for your principles, even when it isn't easy." Funny how they ring more true to me today than they did in my 20s.

What's the best movie about driving?

The Stanley Kramer comedy "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World."

Did you ever name any of your vehicles?

Yes. When I was in college, I had a black station wagon that I named Black Beauty. In order to get clear radio reception, the front seat passenger had to hang their arm out the window and touch the broken antenna. Friends would flip a coin on who was going to sit there, especially in the winter.

Do you talk to yourself or sing when you drive?

Oh yes! A couple of years back, I was stopped at a red light. I was listening to the radio and singing along to Elton John. I looked over and the guy in the car next to me was listening to the same station and singing along. So I rolled down my window and we were harmonizing by the time the light turned green.

Who is the most intriguing person you have ever given a ride to?

Actress Susan Strasberg. When we were producing "The Diary of Anne Frank" at Seven Angels, she came to see a performance. The next day, I drove her back to NYC. We talked about acting and the legendary people she knew.

What is the most interesting destination you have ever driven to?

The Grand Canyon. I drove into the park, pulled up alongside the road, looked to my right and said OMG. It took my breath away.

What is the oddest object you have in your vehicle?

A 1970's NYC subway map.

What's the most interesting thing someone left in your vehicle?

One day I picked up my mother and a friend of hers, who sat in the back seat. Her friend was always a cheery, talkative woman, but this day she was very quiet. Earlier that day, our sound engineer and I had gone to a pharmacy to buy a box of 144 condoms. We use them to cover and protect body microphone packs from sweat. After I dropped off my Mom and her friend, I discovered we had left the box on the back seat. I never said anything.

Who would you most want to take for a ride in your car?

Pope Francis. And one more drive with my Dad, my Mom and my sister Ellen.

Do you have a "philosophy of the road"?

I was taught to "drive defensively" which meant you never know what the other driver is going to do. That went along with my mother's philosophy of life, "Worry! You never know what can go wrong." And DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE!

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